India has recently added a new nuclear-powered submarine to its navy, called INS Arighaat. This event took place in Visakhapatnam and is an important step in making India’s defense stronger. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh mentioned that this move is key for strengthening India’s nuclear triad. The nuclear triad is a three-part system that includes missiles on land, aircraft, and submarines that can launch nuclear weapons. This addition makes India more secure against any potential threats.

What is the SSBN Programme?

The SSBN programme is a key part of India’s defense strategy. SSBNs, or nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, can carry and launch powerful missiles. INS Arighaat is the second submarine in this program, following INS Arihant, which was commissioned in 2016. The goal of this program is to ensure that even if India is attacked first, it can still respond with a strong counterattack using these submarines.

What Technological Advancements Does INS Arighaat Have?

INS Arighaat has several improvements compared to INS Arihant, the first submarine in this series. These include better design, construction techniques, and systems developed within India. This shows India’s growing ability to create advanced defense technology, which is important for keeping its military strong.

Why is INS Arighaat Important?

INS Arighaat adds significant strength to India’s navy, helping to prevent threats from other countries. Both INS Arihant and INS Arighaat are crucial for keeping the region stable and secure. Defense Minister Singh stressed that having these submarines helps India maintain a balance of power in the area, ensuring the country can protect itself effectively.

How Does This Affect India’s Defense?

The SSBN programme, which includes INS Arighaat, is essential for India’s nuclear deterrence strategy. This strategy ensures that India can respond to any nuclear attack with a powerful counterstrike, which discourages enemies from attacking. For instance, in 2022, a successful missile test was conducted from INS Arihant, proving that these submarines are ready for action. Building these submarines is vital for India to maintain a strong and prepared military in a world where geopolitical challenges are always changing.

Arihant-Class Submarines

Arihant-Class submarines are India’s first nuclear-powered submarines, designed to carry and launch ballistic missiles. The first in this series, INS Arihant, was commissioned in 2016. These submarines are 111 meters long and can dive deeper than 300 meters. They are equipped with advanced sonar, weapons systems, and stealth technology to remain undetected. Each submarine can carry 12 K-15 Sagarika missiles, which have a range of 750 kilometers. These features enhance India’s second-strike capability, which is crucial for its defense strategy.

About INS Arighaat

INS Arighaat is the first submarine support vessel built entirely in India. Launched in 2009, it is designed to support fleet submarines during long operations. The vessel is 120 meters long and can carry a wide range of weapons and equipment. With a displacement of around 7,400 tons, INS Arighaat is equipped with advanced machinery, boosting India’s maritime capabilities. This vessel plays a key role in improving the operational readiness and logistics of India’s submarine missions.